McEnroe Loses Appeal of Fines; Could Face Ban From Grand Slam

John McEnroe has lost his appeal against fines imposed during the Australian Open and could be banned from playing other Grand Slam tournaments if he runs into further trouble this year, tennis officials said today.

The fiery American was disqualified from the Australian Open last month and fined $6,500 after incurring three code violations during his fourth-round match against Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors.

“All the fines have been upheld and McEnroe is now $1,000 away from being denied entry to the following Grand Slam if he incurs more fines,” International Tennis Federation spokesman Ian Barnes said.

Any player who collects fines totaling $7,500 in the Grand Slam events within a 12-month period is banned from the next of the big four tournaments.

McEnroe has yet to decide which events he will take part in this year, but if he played the French Open and was penalized he could be barred from Wimbledon.

Barnes said McEnroe’s appeal was considered by Grand Slam tournaments administrator Bill Babcock in London earlier this week.

Barnes emphasized that today’s decision by the federation applies only to Grand Slam events. McEnroe still could accrue fines at regular ATP tournaments and not be forced to miss any of the Grand Slam events this year.

In his match against Pernfors, McEnroe first was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct, then was docked a penalty point for racket abuse and was assessed a fine of $500.

He was then defaulted after verbally abusing the referee and supervisor. The third code violation cost McEnroe another $5,000, plus an additional $1,000 penalty for being disqualified.